“Cowboy” Kenny Bartram Will Compete at Winter X Despite Nasty Crash

While practicing the trick he plans to unveil at Winter X Games,
“Cowboy” Kenny Bartram, FMX’s most winning rider, crashed into a metal
ramp at his compound in Oklahoma yesterday.

When his body hit the ramp a piece of expanded metal ripped through his
jersey and sliced his arm clear to his elbow, resulting in 30
stitches. Kenny also dislocated several of his ribs and sliced
his knee open. Thankfully, the tear on his leg is minimal thanks to the
“EVS 690 degree” signature kneepad he was wearing.

No stranger to riding while seriously injured, Kenny won the Dew Tour
less than 5 weeks after a gnarly crash in San Jose that left him with
torn ligaments in his wrist and a separated shoulder.

“It would take a lot more than a few stitches to keep me out of the
Winter X Games.” said Kenny. “I won the Dew Action Sports Tour with a
lot worse. It’s going to be tough though, because I can’t really bend
my arm like I need to or the stitches will rip out. When it comes
to the finals, I just plan on doing whatever I have to do, and then
getting re-stitched after the event. My new sponsor, Vitamin
Water is planning a big launch of our partnership at Winter X, and
there’s no way I’m letting them, Alpinestars, or any of my other
sponsors down.”

It’s that kind of determination that drove Janeane Ardolino of Glaceau
(aka Vitamin Water and Smart Water) to venture for the first time into
action sports and partner with Kenny. “Kenny is the best!
We couldn’t have picked a better action sports athlete to represent
Vitamin Water. We’re really looking forward to working together
with Kenny and his management team for what we hope is a long time.”

Kenny’s manager, Rich Swisher of The Sports Syndicate, was quick to
point out that Kenny is a true professional, and his determination to
win despite his crash yesterday is what has put Kenny at the top of his
sport. “There are only a handful of FMX riders that could go on to win
after a crash like that, and I’m proud to say I represent most of
them. Despite the wounded wing, Kenny will definitely be one to
watch this weekend in Aspen.”